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Cincinnati Football: Live coverage as Bearcats take on Arkansas

ByCharles Post|
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant passes against the Arkansas Razorbacks. USA Today.
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant passes against the Arkansas Razorbacks. USA Today.

Prior to kick off on Saturday afternoon, the Bearcats announced that Ben Bryant would start under center. After picking up a couple first downs on the opening drive, Bryant was picked off and Arkansas took advantage as KJ Jefferson scored a rushing touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.

Cincinnati Bearcats at Arkansas Razorbacks

  • Date: Saturday, September 3 at 3:30 PM
  • Location: Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville
  • Pregame Spread: Arkansas (-6.5)
  • TV Broadcast: ESPN and fuboTV

Later in the half, the offense continued to move the ball but failed to capitalize as Ryan Coe came up empty on a field goal. The Bearcats remained scoreless when Coe missed another kick in the second quarter. Arkansas added a late touchdown to take a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Ivan Pace Jr. and Jaheim Thomas led the Bearcats with five tackles each, while Charles McClelland recorded 39 rushing yards on just two carries. Bryant completed 12/20 passing attempts with 92 yards and one interception in a disappointing first half.

Cincinnati Football: Live coverage as Bearcats take on Arkansas

Cincinnati native Corey Kiner reached the end zone for the first touchdown of the season as the Bearcats cut the deficit to 14-7 early in the second half. A few minutes later, Bryant found Hawaii transfer Nick Mardner wide open downfield for a 35-yard touchdown to get back within a score.

The Razorbacks were holding onto a 21-14 lead with 6:44 left in the third quarter. On the following drive, Jefferson fumbled a snap and it was recovered by Eric Phillips. Cincinnati had a chance to tie the game but committed multiple penalties and had to settle for a field goal.

Midway through the fourth quarter and trailing by one score, Cincinnati had a great opportunity to equalize but Bryant was sacked and fumbled. The blindside strip sack was quickly followed by a 32-yard touchdown to Trey Knox to take a 31-17 lead.

Despite the costly turnover, Cincinnati refused to quit and Bryant responded with a 15-yard touchdown to Lenny Taylor with 5:49 to go. The Bearcats never got another chance though as Arkansas picked up three first downs to secure a 31-24 win.

Full coverage for Week 1 matchup